The system
of higher education in Great Britain is complex and consists of Universities,
Polytechnics, Colleges of Art and other institutions. Universities are the main
centres of higher education and there are 45 universities in Britain. They
train doctors and lawyers, physicists and chemists, economists and linguists.
The oldest and most famous universities of GB are Cambridge and Oxford. The
largest one is the University of London. The admission to universities is by
selection and examination. The studies are paid, but about two thirds of
students get grants. There are three terms in the academic year with the
vacations. A course of studies in universities lasts from three to four years.
The first degree which is awarded on the completion of the course of studies is
that of Bachelor of Science or Art Master’s Degree is awarded after a further
year of studies and research. The highest degree is that of Doctor of
Philosophy.